| Let's be honest with one another. Everyone has | | | | what they are dealing with. Even those who will |
| an opinion about any given topic, and this is | | | | listen to me, won't take me seriously. That's just |
| especially true about ADHD. I haven't found a | | | | the way it works. |
| more controversial, misunderstood topic being | | | | Everyone has advice, but very few people take |
| talked about by so many different people. | | | | the time to listen. |
| Unfortunately, what I find to be even more | | | | Answers are everywhere, but people are unique |
| troubling are the overwhelming people who jump | | | | and ADHD is just as unique in every individual |
| to conclusions by offering answers without so | | | | affected by it. So how does it really help you |
| much as asking any questions. | | | | when someone just spits out advice? |
| ADHD is an incredibly complex condition, that | | | | Of all the things I learned in graduate school, the |
| leaves so many questions unanswered in the | | | | most important lesson was to focus on |
| scientific and medical communities. There's just an | | | | developing a strong relationship. That is the hidden |
| enormous amount to know about the body, the | | | | key to success. Once you have a strong |
| brain, and the mind-body connection. | | | | relationship, built on trust, you can accomplish |
| I know there are many different beliefs about | | | | anything with the people you are supporting. |
| whether or not ADHD is a real condition. Let's | | | | My advice? |
| save that topic for another day, but what I won't | | | | Run as quickly as you can from someone who |
| overlook is the tendency for people who think | | | | gives you answers without so much as asking |
| they have the answers, particularly without taking | | | | questions about your individual needs, or the |
| the time to ask questions. | | | | needs of your child! |
| About 90% of the work I do as a child advocate | | | | There might be time when answers are |
| and ADHD coach has more to do with developing | | | | appropriate, but if you truly want to help |
| a relationship than anything else. You see, while I | | | | someone and make a difference, start by asking |
| might have the answers, no one is going to listen | | | | questions. |
| to me if I don't take the time to fully understand | | | | |